When it comes to home maintenance, having the right tools makes all the difference. Whether you’re patching drywall, fixing a leaky faucet, or hanging shelves, a solid set of essentials saves you time, frustration — and serious money.

You don’t need a full-blown workshop to start. These 15 tools cover the basics and beyond, and most of them cost less than a dinner out. Whether you’re new to DIY or already knee-deep in weekend projects, this toolkit will have your back. This list is obviously not an exhaustive list, but it will get you started with many maintenance projects. Whether you’re a new homeowner or looking to add to your existing tool box, this list will give you information that will help make an informed decision on which tools that will help with the maintenance of your home.

1. Cordless Drill/Driver

Your go-to tool for assembling furniture, installing hardware, drilling pilot holes, and more.

• Pro Tip: Get one with a lithium-ion battery and clutch settings.
• Pro Tip #2:: Get a second battery to alternate when charging the other
• Why It Saves You Money: It replaces a bunch of hand tools and handles most fastening tasks fast.

A cordless drill is your best friend when it comes to tackling repairs or DIY upgrades. It drives screws, drills pilot holes, and even mixes small batches of paint with the right attachment. Go with a lithium-ion model that includes a clutch setting to prevent over-tightening. You’ll use it constantly — from building furniture to installing shelves.

---

2. Screwdriver Set (Not Just One)

A full-size set with multiple sizes of Phillips and flatheads gives you more torque and more control.

• Pro Tip: Magnetic tips help you work in tighter spaces.
• Pro Tip #2: Ratcheting action allows you to be quick and reduces fatigue.
• Money Saver: Avoid stripped screws and damaged fixtures by using the right driver for the job.

While multi-bit screwdrivers are convenient, a dedicated set gives you better control and torque for tough jobs. Look for both Phillips and flathead drivers in various sizes. Some sets also include Torx bits and square drive bits. Whether you’re replacing outlet covers or fixing cabinet hardware, the right screwdriver will get the job done faster and cleaner.

---

3. Adjustable Wrench

For plumbing fixes, appliance hookups, and general bolt-turning.

• Pro Tip: 6- and 10-inch sizes cover most common jobs.
  
• Why You Need It: It’s cheaper than a call to tighten a loose toilet or washer hose.

This tool can be somewhat awkward to use but gives you a strong grip on nuts and bolts of varying sizes. Ideal for plumbing jobs, tightening supply lines, or assembling grills and furniture, the adjustable wrench earns its keep in every room of the house. Get one with a wide jaw and knurled adjustment wheel for easier handling.

---

4. Combination Wrench Set

When adjustable wrenches don’t fit right or slip, these get the job done. Use them on faucets, valves, and small engine parts.

• Pro Tip: Go metric and standard. You’ll need both.
  
• Budget Tip: Buy them in a roll-up pouch to stay organized and skip the overkill sets.

When you need a precise fit that won’t slip, nothing beats a set of combination wrenches. The open end handles quick turns, while the closed (box) end works in tighter spots. You’ll want both metric and standard sizes — you never know what you’ll run into.

---

5. Utility Knife

Cut drywall, trim caulk, open boxes — this thing is constantly in your hand.

• Pro Tip: Choose a knife that folds or one with a retractable blade and quick-change feature.
  
• Money Tip: A $10 knife saves you from ripping materials or ruining scissors.

A utility knife is a true multitasker. Use it to cut drywall, trim caulk, open boxes, scrape paint, or remove old carpet. A folding or retractable blade with a comfortable grip keeps it safe and easy to use. Keep a few extra blades handy and replace them often for clean, accurate cuts.

---

6. Caulking Gun

Seal gaps around tubs, windows, baseboards, and siding with ease.

• Pro Tip: Dripless caulk guns waste less and leave cleaner lines.
  
• Money Tip: A single tube of caulk can prevent hundreds in water damage.

Sealing gaps around windows, tubs, and countertops helps stop drafts and water damage — and that saves you money on energy and repairs. A good caulking gun gives you control over the flow of caulk for a clean, professional finish. Dripless models are worth the few extra bucks.

---

7. Tape Measure (25-Foot Preferred)

You’ll use this more than any other tool — from hanging shelves to sizing replacement parts.

• Pro Tip: Look for a wide blade with a locking feature.
• Pro Tip #2: Keep multiple tape measures on hand. That way, you’ll always have one where you need it, whether you’re measuring or cutting materials.
• Why It Matters: Measuring twice means not buying materials twice.

No toolbox is complete without a solid tape measure. Whether you’re measuring for a new appliance or marking where to hang a picture, accuracy is key. Look for one with a wide, stiff blade that can extend at least 7 feet without bending — it’ll save you time and frustration.

---

8. Torpedo Level

Perfect for small jobs like hanging pictures, shelves, or mirrors.

• Pro Tip: Magnetized versions are great for working around metal studs or appliances.
  
• Save Money: Skips re-dos and repairs caused by crooked installs.

A small level helps you hang items straight and build projects that don’t tilt or wobble. Torpedo levels are compact and fit easily in drawers or tool belts. Many include horizontal, vertical, and 45-degree bubble vials, making them ideal for shelves, frames, and tiling work.

---

9. Stud Finder

No more guessing — find studs before you drill, mount, or hang anything heavy.

• Pro Tip: Simple electronic ones work just fine for most jobs.
  
• Save Yourself: Fixing a mis-drilled wall is way more annoying than using this $20 tool.

Hanging something heavy? Use a stud finder to locate the wooden studs behind your drywall. It’ll help you avoid drilling into empty space or — worse — hitting pipes or wires. Basic battery-powered models are accurate and easy to use. This one tool can save you big repair costs.

---

10. Claw Bar (or Pry Bar)

Demolish, de-nail, and lift stubborn materials with ease.

• Pro Tip: A 12-inch “cat’s paw” claw bar fits most tight spots.
  
• Why You Need It: Saves your screwdrivers and your fingers.

When you need to remove trim, pull nails, or pop apart stubborn boards, a claw bar is the tool for the job. A 12-inch model gives you plenty of leverage without being unwieldy. Keep one around for demolition, small remodels, or undoing mistakes — it’ll quickly become your favorite tool.

---

11. Safety Glasses or Goggles

Drilling, cutting, sawing, sanding — protect those eyes.

• Pro Tip: Keep a few pairs stashed around the house.
  
• Save Big: ER visits cost a lot more than $10 safety glasses.

Protecting your eyes is non-negotiable when you’re cutting, drilling, or sanding. Keep a few pairs of clear safety glasses or goggles in your toolbox, workshop, and garage. You’ll be glad you have them the next time dust or metal shavings start flying.

---

12. Shop Vac (Wet/Dry Vacuum)

Clean up sawdust, spills, or even unclog a sink or AC drain line.

• Pro Tip: Models with blower mode double as leaf blowers or dust removers.
  
• Budget Tip: You don’t need the biggest one — 5–8 gallon models work for most homes.

A Shop Vac handles messes that your regular vacuum can’t touch — water, sawdust, nails, and more. It’s also useful for unclogging drains (like your AC line), cleaning your car, or clearing leaves from tight corners. A 5- to 8-gallon model is perfect for most home needs.

---

13. Flashlight or Wearable Headlamp

Repairs rarely happen in daylight or well-lit places. See what you’re doing clearly.

• Pro Tip: Headlamps keep your hands free under sinks or in crawlspaces.
  
• Why It Matters: Better visibility = safer, faster fixes.

Most DIY work happens in low-light areas — under sinks, behind appliances, or in basements. A flashlight gets the job done, but a headlamp gives you hands-free light where you need it. LED models offer long battery life and great visibility. Keep one in your toolkit and another in your emergency kit. They are also great for when you lose power during those summer storms or winter blizzards. 

---

14. Wire Cutters

Wire cutters are part of the pliers family used to cleanly cut wires and some have a wire stripping feature..

• Pro Tip: Choose a pair with comfortable grips and a built-in wire stripper for added versatility.
  
• Why You Need It: Clean wire cuts make your connections safer and prevent short circuits or connection failures..

Wire cutters are essential for any electrical work around the house — from replacing a light fixture to installing a doorbell. They’re designed to cleanly snip copper or aluminum wiring without crushing or fraying the ends. Many also include a stripping feature to remove insulation without damaging the wire underneath. Whether you’re working on outlets, light switches, or speaker wire, a good pair of wire cutters will save you time and prevent frustration. Keep one in your toolbox even if you don’t plan to do much electrical work — you’ll be surprised how often you reach for it.

---

15. Step Ladder

Changing bulbs, painting walls, installing ceiling fans — don’t risk it on a chair.

• Pro Tip: A lightweight 3- to 6-foot folding ladder is perfect for indoor jobs.
  
• Save Money & Your Ankle: Injuries from falling off furniture aren’t worth the shortcut.

A good step ladder makes reaching high shelves, changing light bulbs, or cleaning gutters safer and easier. Choose a lightweight 3- to 6-foot ladder with wide, non-slip steps and a tool tray. Never stand on chairs or countertops — the right ladder prevents falls and injuries.